Rugby players and triathletes take part in MRP Foundation Ride from Secunda to Durban
The first stage of the race kicks off on Sunday morning at Graceland Casino, Hotel and Country Club
SECUNDA – Cyclists took off from Graceland Hotel, Casino and Country Club at 4am on Sunday morning, 2 December to tackle the long road to Durban as part of the MRP Foundation’s annual ride.
The ride takes place over two days and covers a distance of 606km from Secunda to Durban.
The cyclists, among them a few famous rugby players and athletes, already arrived at Graceland on Saturday afternoon and enjoyed a dinner.
Guests had the opportunity to hear the South African rugby players, Stefan Terblanche, John Smit and Wayne Fyvie’s views on the ride.
This year’s ride was officially launched on Thursday, 20 September at CMH Nissan in Durban.
According to Ms Farzanah Asmal, spokesman of the MRP Foundation, this year’s ride is the largest one to date, consisting of 70 riders.
The tri-athletes, Shan Thomson and Lindokuhle Mabika, also took on the challenge for the first time and there were 15 women riders, the most since the ride was launched.
“I love the fact that the MRP Foundation hosts such a challenging event that helps to raise money for the less fortunate in our society,” said Thomson.
“I am aware that we who have able limbs and no illnesses are so privileged to be able to take part in something like this.”
Mabika said: “I am really keen to do this ride which is definitely going to test my limits whilst raising money for the youth of South Africa.”
This was the first major event for the South African tri-athlete, Mhlengi Gwala, since he was attacked with a chainsaw in March this year while he was training near the
University of KwaZulu-Natal. He offered the attackers his cell phone and watch, but they tried to saw off his leg with a chainsaw.
“Since I am recovering from serious injuries, this year’s ride is going to be far more challenging for me,” said Gwala.
“I trained hard to be mentally and physically prepared.”
The MRP Foundation Ride raised just under R1 million last year and the target for this year is to raise more.
Ms Asmal said the money raised will be channelled into the MRP Foundation’s education and skills development programmes that impact thousands of young people.
The purpose of the MRP Foundation is to empower South Africa’s youth to unlock their full potential.
Support MRP Foundation by taking part in a competition and stand a chance to win a Nissan Micra Active.
SMS the word ‘Micra’ and your full name to 38417. SMS’s cost R20.
